CARBONDALE, Kan. — A domestic-violence call in rural Osage County turned into a firefight Saturday morning, leaving three sheriff’s deputies and one Kansas Highway Patrol trooper shot before the gunman was killed at the scene.
The shooting happened around 9:30 a.m. near the 11000 block of South Topeka Avenue, just north of Carbondale. Responding officers had been on scene for less than ten minutes when gunfire erupted, according to preliminary information from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.
Authorities say the suspect — identified only as a 22-year-old man — opened fire on officers before being shot and killed. A 77-year-old male family member inside the residence was also struck by gunfire. He was transported for treatment and is expected to survive.
Four Officers Wounded — All Expected to Recover
The Osage County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that:
- Three deputies suffered gunshot wounds
- One Kansas Highway Patrol trooper was also shot
Two deputies underwent surgery and were listed in good condition. The third deputy has been released from the hospital. The trooper was transferred to the University of Kansas Medical Center for additional treatment but is expected to recover.
Authorities emphasized that there is no ongoing danger to the public.
Large Multi-Agency Response
Dozens of emergency vehicles from Osage County, KHP, the KBI, and surrounding jurisdictions responded, blocking the rural roadway for several hours as investigators processed the scene. Crime-scene tape extended across both the shoulder and a nearby field as officers documented evidence and secured the residence.
The KBI has taken the lead on the investigation.
Domestic-Violence Call Turns Deadly
Early information suggests deputies initially responded to a domestic-violence incident involving family members inside the home. Details about what transpired inside the residence — including who fired first, the weapon type, and the sequence of shots — have not yet been released.
KBI officials say those answers will come after interviews, scene reconstruction, and ballistic testing.
Officials: ‘An Extremely Dangerous Situation’
Law enforcement officials across the state issued statements calling the incident a reminder of the unpredictable danger officers face when responding to domestic-violence calls, some of the most volatile and high-risk situations in policing.
More information, including the suspect’s identity and a detailed timeline, is expected to be released in the coming days.
This Is Topeka will continue following this developing story.
